In This Issue of the CucamongaConnect Newsletter

☀️ Today’s Weather

🚑 San Bernardino County Opts for New Era in Ambulance Services with CONFIRE

🚨 Deadly Pharmacy Burglary in Upland Ends in Fiery Crash with Metrolink Train

🎉 Things To Do

🌟 Yard Sales

🔦 Local Business Highlight - My Healthy Penguin - SPECIAL OFFER!

Today's forecast is sunny with a high of 62 °F and a low of 45 °F. There's no chance of rain this week.

Tomorrow's forecast is sunny with a high of 62 °F and a low of 43 °F.

The UV index is currently 2, which is low. Later today, there will be moderate exposure with a UV index of 3. There's currently a 3-mph wind blowing from the southeast.

San Bernardino County Opts for New Era in Ambulance Services with CONFIRE

In a significant shift, San Bernardino County, after more than 40 years, is set to replace its long-standing ambulance service provider, American Medical Response (AMR), with a new contract slated for October 2024. The unanimous decision by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, December 5, will see Consolidated Fire Agencies (CONFIRE), a collective of 15 fire departments, take over the provision of ambulance services in a large part of the county. Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department is a member agency of CONFIRE.

The move, described as an effort to revolutionize emergency medical care and transportation in the region, marks the end of AMR's tenure, which began in the late 1970s. This transition aims to consolidate basic and advanced life support along with medical transport services under CONFIRE, believed to enhance performance during emergencies and disasters through better continuity of care and mutual aid between agencies.

County CEO Luther Snoke acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, noting AMR's long service to the community, but looked forward to a smooth transition and improved service levels. The new contract with CONFIRE, according to county spokesperson David Wert, involves no direct cost to the county. Ambulance services will be billed to patients and their insurers, while the county will recover its monitoring costs from the ambulance contractor, starting at an estimated $1.8 million in the first year, adjusted annually for inflation.

AMR expressed surprise and disappointment at the decision, asserting that their proposal scored higher and promised more ambulances per day. However, the county countered, citing only a marginal difference in evaluation scores between AMR and CONFIRE, with the latter scoring higher with three out of four evaluators.

The decision-making process included various perspectives, including from elected officials, AMR employees, firefighters, and the public during an extensive meeting. Arguments for CONFIRE highlighted its deep understanding of the county's diverse needs and the seamless coordination potential with local fire and police departments. Conversely, AMR defenders emphasized its merit-based eligibility and concerns over job security and service levels under the new contract.

Despite the board's decision, AMR, a Colorado-based company operating in 40 states, hinted at exploring legal options, citing a misalignment with community and patient interests and a reduction in daily ambulance availability.

UPDATE - Upland Police Respond To
A Hit And Run Incident

UPDATE Unfortunately, the female victim succumbed to her injuries.

Quoted From Upland PD News Release:
Last night, we responded to Foothill Blvd and Wilson Ave for a vehicle vs pedestrian traffic collision. Officers arrived on scene and rendered aid to a female adult who was still down in the roadway, unresponsive, and had major injuries; the vehicle who struck her fled the scene. The female was taken to a trauma center with life-threatening injuries. About 20 minutes later, officers located the adult male driver and damaged truck. The driver was ultimately booked for felony hit and run.

Deadly Pharmacy Burglary in Upland Ends in Fiery Crash with Metrolink Train

In the early hours of December 6, 2023, a pharmacy in the 600 block of North 13th Avenue in Upland became the target of a dramatic burglary, leading to a fatal confrontation and a high-speed chase. The business owner, monitoring the situation via security cameras, alerted the authorities to the ongoing crime, reporting that one of the three burglars was firing a gun at the safe.

Responding to the scene, law enforcement officers found the suspects attempting to escape in a stolen Dodge Charger Hellcat. The ensuing chase reached a perilous climax when the suspects, driving the wrong way on Euclid Avenue, collided with a Metrolink train at a railroad crossing. The impact caused significant damage to the vehicle, which quickly erupted into flames.

Despite the chaos, officers managed to apprehend the driver of the Charger as he attempted to flee. The other two suspects, injured in the crash, were detained and rescued from the burning wreckage. Tragically, a fourth suspect, discovered in the front passenger seat, suffered severe burns and later died from his injuries at a trauma center.

Investigations have linked this group to a similar burglary in Claremont, occurring shortly before the Upland incident. The driver of the Charger faces murder charges and multiple other felonies, while the remaining suspects are also being charged with serious felonies. This incident underscores a dramatic escalation in the risks and consequences of criminal activities in the area.

Know Of Something Interesting To Do?
Tell Us About It Today!

Pictures With Santa
Tue. Nov 21 - Sat. Dec 23

It's the most wonderful time of the year, Santa's here! Don't miss out on capturing tree-mendous family photos this year - make your reservation to meet and take pictures with Santa today!

Get more details on the Facebook Event page by clicking here

A Snowy Hula Day In Rancho Cucamonga
Sat, Dec. 9 11am-3pm

Prepare for a tropical escape from the winter chill at A Snowy Hula Day on Saturday, December 9, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Heritage Community Park, 5546 Beryl Street! Give Santa a warm "Aloha" as he sets off for his Hawaiian vacation before the Christmas rush. This festive event includes sledding, snow play, crafts, and delightful photos with Santa.

Skip the lines and guarantee your spot in the snow play area by purchasing a wristband for just $10 by clicking the button below!

Don't miss this chance to add some tropical vibes to your winter festivities!

Register by clicking HERE

Upland Hometown Holiday Parade & Faire
Sat. Dec 9 from 2PM on

Santa Paws Pet Adoption Event
Sun. Dec 10 from 2-5PM
Rancho Cucamonga Animal Center

Come hither, on the joyous day of December 10th, from the hours of 2PM to 5PM, and partake in our 3rd Annual Santa Paws Adoption Extravaganza. Behold! The grandest of guests, Santa Claus himself, graces us with his presence. Prepare your four-legged companions for a free festive photo session, capturing your furry friend's irresistible charm with Santa! Experience the warmth of your heart, as we showcase the most deserving of pets, where adoption fees will be waived for these select few. But that's not all - witness the raffle of the century, with prizes beyond your wildest dreams. Shop with ease at our holiday boutique and peruse our famed Adopt a Plant booth. Satisfy your cravings with our delectable bake sale, knowing that all proceeds will benefit our beloved homeless pets.

Local Resident Hosting A Unique Yard Sale
NO MONEY - Just Food Donations!

Having A Yard Sale?
Let Us Help You Spread The Word!

This Weeks Featured Business:
My Healthy Penguin

See the full story in Issue #21

Special Offer For CucamongaConnect Readers ONLY!

Get $20 Off your first order when you use the promo code: CC20

https://myhealthypenguin.com

We 💖 Love Local Businesses!

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "CucamongaConnect" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Rancho Cucamonga together!

👇 Select an option below 👇

✅ Own a local business? Apply to be featured.

💖 Love a local business? Nominate them to be featured.

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